Tennis News: Serena Williams was playing in what was probably her final professional match when Michelle Obama complimented her as “one of the greatest athletes of all time.”
She would go on to “change lives” with her gifts, the former first lady said as she led tributes to her friend and her “great career.”
Tiger Woods, Jennifer Hudson, and Oprah Winfrey were among the well-known figures to praise Williams as a “legend forever.”
The multi-Grand Slam champion was eliminated from the US Open competition on Friday night after falling to Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets.
Her past triumphs over Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit have given fans hope that her swansong will have a happy ending, even if the event is slated to be her last.
Nevertheless, after a stirring comeback in the second set, Serena williams was unable to win a record-tying 24th grand slam singles title, falling to the opponent 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1.
“Congrats on an amazing career, @SerenaWilliams!” Obama tweeted. “How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
“I’m proud of you, my friend – and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.”
US talk show host Winfrey added: “25 years. Champion. Shero. Legend forever!”
Multi-award-winning actress Hudson, who recently achieved the coveted Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (EGOT) award status, wrote: “Serena !!! U have inspired us all. Thank u for showing us what greatness looks like!”
US actress and producer Elizabeth Banks tweeted: “Thank you @serenawilliams for inspiring us for so long. May you feel the love tonight!”
Woods said it had been “a privilege to watch greatness” following the game and tweeted: “.@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!”
Several other famous people, including Anna Wintour and Spike Lee, have been photographed in recent days watching Williams play at the US Open.
Zendaya, Jared Leto, Gigi and Bella Hadid, the band Seal, and Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor have all been spotted at the competition. The Spider-Man actress also contributed her voice to a Nike ad honouring Williams that was published after the match.
“When the world wanted her to be less powerful, she hit even harder,” Zendaya is heard to say, over archive footage of the tennis star’s career. “She refused to hide her flair, or what was on her mind. She couldn’t stop
winning. Over and over and over again.
“She didn’t change who she was, and that changed everything, for all of us.”
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